12 Traditional Hanfu Styles: From Zhou Dynasty to Modern
As Chinese cultural Hanfu revival sweeps global fashion weeks, understanding Traditional Hanfu Styles becomes key to appreciating this living heritage. From Zhou Dynasty ritual garments to Ming Dynasty courtly elegance, we decode 24 iconic designs through historical artifacts and modern reinterpretations.
From Zhou Dynasty ritual garments to Ming Dynasty courtly elegance, traditional Hanfu styles have experienced a remarkable global revival, with Google Trends showing 400% growth in searches since 2018. Let’s explore 24 iconic designs that defined Chinese sartorial heritage.’
Men’s Hanfu Through Traditional Hanfu Styles
Shenyi (深衣)：The foundational garment connecting top and skirt dates back to the Han Dynasty. Our Hanfu Museum research shows Quji-style Shenyi remains the most replicated design in historical dramas.
Zhi Zui (直缀): This style began during the Song Dynasty, particularly popular among monks, and was later worn by scholars and government officials during the Ming Dynasty.
Dao Pao (道袍): Originating during the Zhou Dynasty under King Wu, the Dao Pao became a common garment for scholars and was later adopted as an official ceremonial robe in the Ming Dynasty.
Xu He (裋褐): A simple and practical garment worn primarily by peasants, this style was widely used among common folk.
Xuan Duan (玄端): Xuan Duan was a formal black robe worn by the nobility and scholars in ancient China, a symbol of authority. During the Han Dynasty, it evolved into a bright red ceremonial robe under Emperor Ming’s reign, which continued as a tradition through the Ming Dynasty.
Yuan Ling Pao (圆领袍): This garment, influenced by Northern nomadic people during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, became widespread during the Tang Dynasty and later became a ceremonial robe in the Song and Ming periods.
Lan Shan (襕衫): A wide-sleeve garment with a simple design originating from the Tang Dynasty, becoming popular during the Song and Ming Dynasties. It reached knee-length, typically worn by officials as part of their ceremonial attire. The garment’s round collar became a characteristic feature of this style.
Da Chang (大氅): Also known as the military cloak, the Da Chang originated from Taoist practices and became common attire for men in the Ming Dynasty. It is a large, wide-sleeved cloak with a front closure and a belt, typically worn for casual or everyday purposes.
Fei Yu Fu (飞鱼服): A highly decorative and significant ceremonial robe worn by high-ranking officials in the Ming Dynasty. It was awarded to officials of second rank and above, and it symbolized the status and position of the wearer. This garment was often seen with ornamental fish or other auspicious symbols.
Beizi (褙子): A traditional robe worn by men, usually darker in color compared to women’s versions. The design is simple yet elegant, and it was often worn under other garments for formal occasions.
Ban Bi (半臂): A short-sleeved, wide-collared garment with a loose fit, typically reaching the knee. The Ban Bi style evolved into the Da Hu (褡护) during the Ming Dynasty, becoming more of a protective outer garment for formal occasions.
Women’s Hanfu Hanfu history
Shenyi (深衣): Similar to the men’s version but often in more delicate colors. The Quji (曲裾) style features an overlapping collar that wraps around, and the Zhi Ji (直裾) is a simpler design without the wrapping.
Ruqun (襦裙): This classic style, popular during the Warring States period and continuing through the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, features a top (the Ru) paired with a long skirt (Qun).
Ao Qun (袄裙): A more formal style with an Ao (jacket) that is either lined or has a layered construction, paired with a Qun (skirt).
Du Fu (短褐): Similar to the men’s version of the Xu He, this short, practical garment was worn by common women during daily tasks.
Yuan Ling Pao (圆领袍): Like the men’s version, the round-collared robe was also a key part of women’s attire, especially during ceremonial or formal events.
Da Xiu Shan (大袖衫): Known for its extra-wide sleeves, often more than four feet in width, this style became common among women of high rank during the late Tang Dynasty and early Song Dynasty.
Beizi (褙子): The Beizi was popular in the Song Dynasty for both men and women, though women typically wore it as an outer garment. The design often featured a straight collar and overlapping front.
Ban Bi (半臂): A short-sleeved, wide-collared garment worn by women during the Tang Dynasty, often made of light fabrics and worn as a part of formal attire.
Bi Jia (比甲): This sleeveless, collarless garment was typically worn by women during the Song Dynasty and later became a more structured vest-style garment in the Ming Dynasty.
Pi Bo (披帛): Originating from the Sui Dynasty and widely popular in the Tang Dynasty, Pi Bo is a long scarf or shawl made from fine silk, often decorated with gold or silver threads.
Why Traditional Hanfu Styles Matter Today
The Hanfu revival movement:
- Preserves ancient textile techniques
- Fuels a $1.2B market (Daxue Consulting)
- Inspires cross-cultural fashion fusions
The global Hanfu revival movement has made traditional Hanfu styles a hot topic in fashion circles. According to Google Trends data, searches for “Hanfu history” increased 400% since 2018. Let’s explore how these Chinese traditional clothing pieces evolved across dynasties.
